Semiconductor device having insulating layers containing oxygen and a barrier layer containing manganese

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device includes an insulating layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, the insulating layer including oxygen, a first wire formed in the insulating layer, and a second wire formed in the insulating layer over the first wire and containing manganese, oxygen, and copper, the second wire having a projection portion formed in the insulating layer and extending downwardly but spaced apart from the first wire.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-209121 filed on Aug. 15, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

An aspect of the embodiments discussed herein is directed to a semiconductor device having a multilayer interconnection structure.

BACKGROUND

In current semiconductor integrated circuit devices, a multilayer interconnection structure has been used to interconnect among semiconductor elements. In ultrafine and ultra high-speed semiconductor devices, in order to reduce the problem of signal delay (RC delay), a low-resistance copper (Cu) pattern is used as a wiring pattern.

In order to form a cupper wire, a so-called damascene method or dual-damascene method has been used. The damascene method is a method of forming a wire in which a Cu layer is buried in a wire groove or a via hole formed in an interlayer insulating layer using chemical mechanical polishing (CMP).

When the Cu wire is formed, a diffusion-reducing barrier is formed to reduce the diffusion of Cu atoms into an interlayer insulating layer. For the diffusion-reducing barrier, in general, refractory metals, such as tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti), and tungsten (W), and conductive nitrides of the above refractory metals have been used.

However, the above materials have a higher resistivity than that of Cu; hence, in order to further decrease the wiring resistance, the thickness of the diffusion-reducing barrier may be decreased as small as possible. Accordingly, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-59660 discusses a technique that a Cu—Mn alloy is used instead of the diffusion-reducing barrier. The reason for this is that MnSi_(x)O_(y) is formed in a self-alignment manner at the interface between an interlayer insulating layer and a Cu wire by a reaction of Mn with O₂ and Si, which are contained in the interlayer insulating layer, and that Mn oxides function as a diffusion-reducing layer. However, at the interface between the interlayer insulating layer and the Cu wire, when Mn which is not allowed to react with O₂ contained in the interlayer insulating layer dissolves in the Cu wire, the resistance of the Cu wire may increase.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an insulating layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, the insulating layer including oxygen, a first wire formed in the insulating layer, and a second wire formed in the insulating layer over the first wire and containing manganese, oxygen, and copper, the second wire having a projection portion formed in the insulating layer and extending downwardly but spaced apart from the first wire.

The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a plan view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device 50 a according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the semiconductor device 50 a taken along the line X-Y illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 2A-2B are views each illustrating a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device 50 a according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3B are views each illustrating the method of manufacturing the semiconductor device 50 a according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 4A-4B are views each illustrating the method of manufacturing the semiconductor device 50 a according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-5B are views each illustrating the method of manufacturing the semiconductor device 50 a according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a plan view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device 50 b according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the semiconductor device 50 b taken along the line X-Y illustrated in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a plan view illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device 50 c according to a third embodiment; and

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the semiconductor device 50 c taken along the line X-Y illustrated in FIG. 7A.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and a third embodiment will be described. However, the present technique is not limited to the embodiments mentioned above.

In the first embodiment, FIGS. 1A to 6B are views illustrating a semiconductor device 50 a and a method of manufacturing the same in detail.

According to the structure of the semiconductor device 50 a of the first embodiment and to the method of manufacturing the same, a contact area between an insulating layer containing oxygen and a second barrier layer containing Mn may be increased. Hence, Mn may be sufficiently consumed by the formation of Mn oxides at a portion at which the contact area between the insulating layer and the second barrier layer is increased, and an increase in resistance of a copper wire may be reduced.

FIGS. 1A and 1B each illustrate the structure of the semiconductor device 50 a of the first embodiment. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the semiconductor device 50 a. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-Y illustrated in FIG. 1A.

In the semiconductor device 50 a of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, a fourth interlayer insulating layer is represented by reference numeral 15 b, second wires (Cu wire) are each represented by reference numeral 19 b, and a third wire is represented by reference numeral 19 c. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is formed so as to cover an n-type MOS transistor forming region 30 a and a p-type MOS transistor forming region 30 b. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is preferably formed of SiO₂. As a material forming the interlayer insulating layer 15 b, a material is preferably used which has a higher resistance against chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) than that of a third interlayer insulating layer 14 b which will be described later.

The second wires 19 b are formed so as to be partly overlapped with the n-type MOS transistor forming the region 30 a and the p-type MOS transistor forming the region 30 b. The second wires 19 b each have an approximately rectangular shape or an approximately circular shape. The second wires 19 b are each preferably formed so as to be electrically connected to the n-type MOS transistor forming the region 30 a and the p-type MOS transistor forming the region 30 b. The second wires 19 b are preferably formed of copper (Cu) which has a low resistivity.

The third wire 19 c is formed in the vicinity of the p-type MOS transistor forming the region 30 b. The third wire 19 c has an approximately rectangular shape. The third wire 19 c is not electrically connected to the n-type MOS transistor forming the region 30 a and the p-type MOS transistor forming the region 30 b. The third wire 19 c is preferably formed of Cu which has a low resistivity.

In FIG. 1B, the semiconductor device 50 a according to the first embodiment includes a transistor forming layer 60 and a multilayer interconnection structure 40 a. The transistor forming layer 60 has the n-type MOS transistor forming the region 30 a and the p-type MOS transistor forming the region 30 b. The multilayer interconnection structure 40 a has first wires 19 a, the second wires 19 b, and the third wire 19 c. In addition, in FIG. 1B, constituents similar to those described with reference to FIG. 1A are designated by the same reference numerals.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a silicon substrate 1 has an n-type conductivity. An element isolation region 2 has a shallow trench isolation structure. The n-type MOS transistor forming region 30 a and the p-type MOS transistor forming region 30 b are defined by the element isolation region 2.

In the n-type MOS transistor forming region 30 a, a p-type well region is represented by reference numeral 3 a, a gate insulating film is represented by reference numeral 4 a, a gate electrode is represented by reference numeral 5 a, a source region is represented by reference numeral 7 a, a drain region is represented by reference numeral 8 a, and a silicide layer is represented by reference numeral 9 a.

The p-type well region 3 a is formed by performing ion-implantation of a p-type impurity in the silicon substrate 1. The gate insulating film 4 a is formed on the silicon substrate 1 in the p-type well region 3 a. The gate electrode 5 a is formed on the silicon substrate 1 with the gate insulating film 4 a interposed therebetween. Sidewalls 6 a are formed on side walls of the gate electrode 5 a. The sidewalls 6 a may be formed using silicon oxide (SiO₂) which is an insulating material. The source region 7 a and the drain region 8 a are formed in the p-type well region 3 a of the silicon substrate 1. The silicide layers 9 a are provided on the gate electrode 5 a and in the surface of the silicon substrate 1 in the source region 7 a and the drain region 8 a.

In the p-type MOS transistor forming region 30 b, an n-type well region is represented by reference numeral 3 b, a gate insulating film is represented by reference numeral 4 b, a gate electrode is represented by reference numeral 5 b, a source region is represented by reference numeral 7 b, a drain region is represented by reference numeral 8 b, and a silicide layer is represented by reference numeral 9 b.

The n-type well region 3 b is formed by performing ion-implantation of an n-type impurity in the silicon substrate 1. The gate oxide film 4 b is formed on the silicon substrate 1 in the n-type well region 3 b. The gate electrode 5 b is formed on the silicon substrate 1 with the gate oxide film 4 b interposed therebetween. Sidewalls 6 b are formed on side walls of the gate electrode 5 b. The sidewalls 6 b may be formed using silicon oxide (SiO₂) which is an insulating material. The source region 7 b and the drain region 8 b are formed in the n-type well region 3 b of the silicon substrate 1. The silicide layers 9 b are provided on the gate electrode 5 b and in the surface of the silicon substrate 1 in the source region 7 b and the drain region 8 b.

A protective layer 11 is formed so as to cover the silicon substrate 1, that is, so as to cover the n-type MOS transistor forming region 30 a and the p-type MOS transistor forming region 30 b on the silicon substrate 1. The protective layer 11 is preferably formed, for example, of silicon nitride (SiN). The protective layer 11 is formed to protect the n-type MOS transistor forming region 30 a and the p-type MOS transistor forming region 30 b.

A first interlayer insulating layer 12 is formed on the protective layer 11. The first interlayer insulating layer 12 is preferably formed, for example, of silicon oxide (SiO₂). The first interlayer insulating layer 12 is formed to ensure the insulation between the n-type MOS transistor forming region 30 a and the p-type MOS transistor forming region 30 b.

Openings 24 a are formed to penetrate the protective layer 11 and the first interlayer insulating layer 12 so that conductive materials to be filled in the openings 24 a are electrically connected to the gate electrode 5 a, the source region 7 a, and the drain region 8 a of the n-type MOS transistor forming region 30 a. Openings 24 b are formed to penetrate the protective layer 11 and the first interlayer insulating layer 12 so that conductive materials to be filled in the openings 24 b are electrically connected to the gate electrode 5 b, the source region 7 b, and the drain region 8 b of the p-type MOS transistor forming region 30 b.

A wire 10 a is formed by burying a conductive material in each opening 24 a. A wire 10 b is formed by burying a conductive material in each opening 24 b. The conductive materials are each preferably formed, for example, of copper (Cu). In addition, the wire 10 a and the corresponding opening 24 a are collectively called a contact via, and the wire 10 b and the corresponding opening 24 b are also collectively called a contact via.

In the multilayer interconnection structure 40 a, a second interlayer insulating layer is represented by reference numeral 13 a, a third interlayer insulating layer is represented by reference numeral 14 a, a fourth interlayer insulating layer is represented by reference numeral 15 a, a second interlayer insulating layer is represented by reference numeral 13 b, a third interlayer insulating layer is represented by reference numeral 14 b, a fourth interlayer insulating layer is represented by reference numeral 15 b, a first barrier layer is represented by reference numeral 16 a, a second barrier layer is represented by reference numeral 17 a, a conductive layer is represented by reference numeral 18 a, the first wire is represented by reference numeral 19 a, a first barrier layer is represented by reference numeral 16 b, a second barrier layer is represented by reference numeral 17 b, a conductive layer is represented by reference numeral 18 b, the second wire is represented by reference numeral 19 b, a first barrier layer is represented by reference numeral 16 c, a second barrier layer is represented by reference numeral 17 c, a conductive layer is represented by reference numeral 18 c, the third wire is represented by reference numeral 19 c, a dummy plug is represented by reference numeral 20 c, and openings are represented by reference numerals 21 a, 21 b, and 21 c.

The second interlayer insulating layer 13 a is formed on the first interlayer insulating layer 12. The second interlayer insulating layer 13 a is preferably formed, for example, of silicon carbide (SiC). The second interlayer insulating layer 13 a preferably has a thickness of 15 nm to 30 nm. The second interlayer insulating layer 13 a functions as an etching stopper when the openings 21 a, which will be described later, are formed.

The third interlayer insulating layer 14 a is formed on the second interlayer insulating layer 13 a. The third interlayer insulating layer 14 a is preferably formed, for example, of a low dielectric-constant material having a relative dielectric constant of 3.2 or less. As the low dielectric-constant material, for example, methylated-hydrogen silsesquoxane (MSQ) having a relative dielectric constant of 2.6, SiLK K or porous SiLK K, which are the registered trade names of Dow Chemical Company, a hydrocarbon-based polymer, or carbon-containing SiO₂ (SiOC) may be preferably used. The third interlayer insulating layer 14 a is used to reduce the problem of signal delay (RC delay) in the multilayer interconnection structure. The third interlayer insulating layer 14 a preferably has a thickness of 100 nm to 300 nm.

The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a is formed on the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a is preferably formed, for example, of SiO₂. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a functions as a protective layer for the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a having a low resistance against chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a preferably has a thickness of 15 nm to 30 nm.

The openings 21 a are formed to penetrate the second interlayer insulating layer 13 a, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a, and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a so that conductive materials to be filled in the openings 21 a are electrically connected to the respective wires 10 a. The first wire 19 a is formed of the conductive layer 18 a buried in the opening 21 a. The conductive layer 18 a is preferably formed, for example, of copper (Cu).

The first barrier layer 16 a and the second barrier layer 17 a are sequentially provided between the opening 21 a and the conductive layer 18 a. The first barrier layer 16 a is formed at the opening 21 a side. The second barrier layer 17 a is formed at the conductive layer 18 a side.

Since the Cu wire is formed in the opening 21 a, a material which reduces Cu diffusion and which has superior adhesion to Cu is used for the first barrier layer 16 a. As the material described above, for example, titanium (Ti), titanium nitride (TiN), titanium silicide nitride (TiSiN), tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), tantalum (Ta), or tantalum nitride (TaN) may be used. In addition, the first barrier layer 16 a may be formed using a laminate including at least two layers of the above materials. The first barrier layer 16 a preferably has a thickness of 3 nm to 10 nm. Incidentally, the first barrier layer 16 a may only be formed when it is necessary.

The second barrier layer 17 a is formed between the first barrier layer 16 a and the conductive layer 18 a. Since the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a is formed of SiOC, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a is formed of SiO₂, and Mn also reacts with Si, the composition of Mn-containing oxides forming the second barrier layer 17 a is represented by Mn_(x)Si_(y)O_(z)(x:y:z is in the range of 1:1:3 to 1:3:5). In addition, the second barrier layer 17 a preferably has a thickness of 1 nm to 5 nm.

The second interlayer insulating layer 13 b is formed on the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a. The second interlayer insulating layer 13 b is preferably formed, for example, of silicon carbide (SiC) as with the second interlayer insulating layer 13 a. The second interlayer insulating layer 13 b preferably has a thickness of 15 nm to 30 nm.

The third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is formed on the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b. As with the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is preferably formed, for example, of a low dielectric-constant material having a relative dielectric constant of 3.2 or less. The third interlayer insulating layer 14 b preferably has a thickness of 100 nm to 300 nm.

The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is formed on the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b. As with the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is preferably formed, for example, of SiO₂. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b functions as a protective layer for the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b having a low CMP resistance. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b preferably has a thickness of 15 nm to 30 nm.

The openings 21 b are formed to penetrate the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b, and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b so that conductive materials to be filled in the openings 21 b are electrically connected to the respective first wires 19 a. The second wire 19 b is formed of the conductive layer 18 b buried in the opening 21 b. The conductive layer 18 b is preferably formed, for example, of copper (Cu).

The first barrier layer 16 b and the second barrier layer 17 b are sequentially provided between the opening 21 b and the conductive layer 18 b. The first barrier layer 16 b is formed at the opening 21 b side. The second barrier layer 17 b is formed at the conductive layer 18 b side.

Since the Cu wire is formed in the opening 21 b as with the first barrier layer 16 a, a material which reduces Cu diffusion and which has superior adhesion to Cu is used for the first barrier layer 16 b. The first barrier layer 16 b preferably has a thickness of 3 nm to 10 nm. Incidentally, the first barrier layer 16 b may only be formed when it is necessary.

As with the second barrier layer 17 a, the second barrier layer 17 b is formed between the first barrier layer 16 b and the conductive layer 18 b. Since the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is formed of SiOC, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is formed of SiO₂, and Mn also reacts with Si, the composition of Mn-containing oxides forming the second barrier layer 17 b is represented by Mn_(x)Si_(y)O_(z)(x:y:z is in the range of 1:1:3 to 1:3:5). In addition, the second barrier layer 17 b preferably has a thickness of 1 nm to 5 nm.

The opening 21 c is formed to penetrate the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b, and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b. Unlike the opening 21 b, a conductive material to be filled in the opening 21 c is not electrically connected to the first wire 19 a. The third wire 19 c is formed by burying the conductive layer 18 c in the opening 21 c. The conductive layer 18 c is preferably formed, for example, of copper (Cu).

The dummy plug 20 c is formed in a lower part of the opening 21 c. The dummy plug 20 c has, for example, a cylindrical shape and is formed to have a width smaller than that of the opening 21 c. The dummy plug 20 c is formed to increase formation areas of the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b, the conductive layer 18 c, and the second barrier layer 17 c. Accordingly, at a portion at which the contact area of the third wire 19 c with the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b and the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is increased, Mn may be sufficiently consumed by the formation of Mn oxides. Hence, the resistance of the Cu wire may be maintained at a low level.

In addition, although the resistivity of Cu is 1.55 Ω·cm, the resistivity of Mn is 136 Ω·cm. Hence, it is understood that the resistivity of Mn is significantly larger than that of Cu. Accordingly, when Mn is not sufficiently consumed between the third wire 19 c and the third and fourth interlayer insulating layers 14 b and 15 b, and when Mn dissolves in the Cu wire, the resistance of the Cu wire disadvantageously increases.

The first barrier layer 16 c and the second barrier layer 17 c are sequentially provided between the opening 21 c and the conductive layer 18 c. The first barrier layer 16 c is formed at the opening 21 c side. The second barrier layer 17 c is formed at the conductive layer 18 c side.

Since the Cu wire is formed in the opening 21 c, a material which reduces Cu diffusion and which has superior adhesion to Cu is used for the first barrier layer 16 c as with the first barrier layer 16 b. The first barrier layer 16 c preferably has a thickness of 3 nm to 10 nm. Incidentally, the first barrier layer 16 c may only be formed when it is necessary.

As with the second barrier layer 17 b, the second barrier layer 17 c is formed between the first barrier layer 16 c and the conductive layer 18 c. Since the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is formed of SiOC, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is formed of SiO₂, and Mn also reacts with Si, the composition of Mn-containing oxides forming the second barrier layer 17 c is represented by Mn_(x)Si_(y)O_(z)(x:y:z is in the range of 1:1:3 to 1:3:5). In addition, the second barrier layer 17 c preferably has a thickness of 1 nm to 5 nm.

FIGS. 2A to 5B are views illustrating a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device 50 a according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating the state in which a part of the multilayer interconnection structure 40 a is formed on the transistor forming layer 60 illustrated in FIG. 1B.

First, on the first interlayer insulating layer 12 (not illustrated in FIG. 2A) of the transistor forming layer 60, the second interlayer insulating layer 13 a composed, for example, of SiC having a thickness of 15 nm to 30 nm is formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method or the like. The first interlayer insulating layer 12 functions as an etching stopper when the openings 21 a are formed which will be described later.

Next, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a composed, for example, of SiOC having a thickness of 100 nm to 300 nm is formed on the second interlayer insulating layer 13 a. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a is formed using a silane gas (such as trimethylsilane), for example, by a plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The third interlayer insulating layer 14 a is preferably formed, for example, from a low dielectric constant material having a relative dielectric constant of 3.2 or less.

Subsequently, on the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a is formed, for example, from SiO₂ having a thickness of 15 nm to 30 nm. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a is formed using a silane gas (such as SiH₂Cl₂, SiH₄, Si₂H₄, or Si₂H₆) by a CVD method or the like. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a functions as a protective layer for the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a having a low CMP resistance.

Next, by a lithography operation and an etching operation, the openings 21 a are formed which penetrate the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a, and the second interlayer insulating layer 13 a and which communicate with the wires 10 a and 10 b (not illustrated in FIG. 2A). The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a is etched, for example, by a reactive ion etching (RIE) method using a C₄F₆/Ar/O₂ mixed gas including C₄F₆ which is a fluorine-containing gas. The third interlayer insulating layer 14 a is etched, for example, by an RIE method. The second interlayer insulating layer 13 a is etched, for example, by an RIE method using a CH₂F₂/N₂/O₂ mixed gas including CH₂F₂ which is a fluorine-containing gas. For this etching, the chamber temperature is set to room temperature or the like, and the gas flow rates are set, for example, to 10 to 35 sccm for CH₂F₂, 50 to 100 sccm for N₂, and 15 to 40 sccm for O₂.

Subsequently, for example, by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method, such as a sputtering method, the first barrier layer 16 a composed, for example, of Ta having a thickness of 2 nm to 5 nm is formed. Since the Cu wire is formed in the opening 21 a, a material which reduces Cu diffusion and which has superior adhesion to Cu is used for the first barrier layer 16 a. Incidentally, the first barrier layer 16 a may only be formed when it is necessary.

Next, a CuMn alloy layer (not illustrated) composed, for example, of an alloy of Cu and manganese (Mn) having a thickness of 5 nm to 30 nm is formed so as to cover an inside wall of the opening 21 a provided with the first barrier layer 16 a. The CuMn alloy layer contains 0.2 to 1.0 atomic percent of Mn atoms and preferably contains 0.5 atomic percent or less thereof. Besides the CuMn alloy layer, a layer composed of a mixture containing Mn in Cu may also be used. In addition, when the CuMn alloy layer reacts, the second barrier layer 17 a which will be described later is formed, and hence the CuMn alloy layer may not be illustrated in FIG. 2A. However, in a manufacturing process which will be described later, the CuMn alloy layer is illustrated.

Next, in a subsequent operation, by a heat treatment performed after the conductive layer 18 a is buried in the opening 21 a, before Cu is diffused to the second interlayer insulating layer 13 a, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a, and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a, which are exposed to the side wall of the opening 21 a, Mn is diffused to the second interlayer insulating layer 13 a, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a, and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a. In addition, since Mn is allowed to react with oxygen contained in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a, the second barrier layer 17 a composed of Mn-containing oxides is formed.

In the operation described above, although Mn is used as a metal material forming the alloy layer other than Cu, when a metal material is available which has a higher diffusion rate in Cu that that of Cu, and whose oxide has a Cu diffusion-reducing effect and superior adhesion to Cu, the above metal material may also be used as well as Mn. As the metal material described above, for example, besides Mn, niobium (Nb), zirconium (Zr), chromium (Cr), vanadium (V), yttrium (Y), technetium (Tc), or rhenium (Re) may be mentioned.

Since the CuMn alloy layer also functions as a seed layer of electrolytic plating, the thickness thereof is controlled to an appropriate value to form a buried wire in accordance with the wire dimension. In this embodiment, a CuMn alloy layer having a thickness, for example, of 5 nm to 30 nm is formed.

In this operation, the second barrier layer 17 a is formed so as to cover the side wall of the opening 21 a. However, since Mn in the second barrier layer 17 a is diffused by a subsequent heat treatment and is allowed to react with oxygen in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a, a CuMn alloy layer including Mn-containing oxides is formed; hence, the CuMn alloy layer covering the inside wall of the opening 21 a may not have a uniform thickness.

Next, by an electrolytic plating method, the conductive layer 18 a composed of Cu having a thickness of 0.5 μm to 2.0 μm is deposited so as to be buried in the opening 21 a. In this embodiment, although the conductive layer 18 a composed of Cu is formed, the conductive layer 18 a may be an alloy layer composed of Cu and a metal other than Cu, and as the metal other than Cu, a material is used which does not increase the resistance of a wire even when it is contained in Cu.

Subsequently, a heat treatment is performed at 100 to 250° C. for 1 to 60 minutes. By this heat treatment, Mn is diffused from the CuMn alloy layer and is allowed to react with oxygen contained in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 a and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a exposed to the side wall of the opening 21 a. In addition, the second barrier layer 17 a composed of Mn-containing oxides is formed to have a thickness of 1 nm to 5 nm on the side wall of the opening 21 a provided with the first barrier layer 16 a.

Next, for example, by a CMP method, the first barrier layer 16 a, the second barrier layer 17 a, and the conductive layer 18 a are partly removed approximately to the middle of the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a by polishing, so that the first wire 19 a composed of Cu is formed in the opening 21 a.

FIG. 2B is a view illustrating the state in which the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b, and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b are sequentially formed in that order on the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a.

First, as in the case illustrated in FIG. 2A, the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b composed, for example, of SiC having a thickness of 15 nm to 30 nm is formed on the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a (not illustrated in the figure) by a CVD method or the like. The fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a functions as an etching stopper when the openings 21 b and 21 c are formed which will be described later.

Subsequently, as in the case illustrated in FIG. 2A, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b composed, for example, of SiOC having a thickness of 100 nm to 300 nm is formed on the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b by a plasma CVD method or the like.

Next, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b composed, for example, of SiO₂ having a thickness of 15 nm to 30 nm is formed on the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b by a CVD method or the like.

FIG. 3A is a view illustrating the state in which openings 21 g are formed by a lithography operation and an etching operation which penetrate the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b and which each have a grooved shape in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b.

As in the case illustrated in FIG. 2A, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is etched, for example, by an RIE method using a C₄F₆/Ar/O₂ mixed gas including C₄F₆ which is a fluorine-containing gas.

As in the case illustrated in FIG. 2A, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is etched, for example, by an RIE method. By these etching operations, the openings 21 g are formed which penetrate the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b and which each have a grooved shape in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b.

FIG. 3B is a view illustrating the state in which the openings 21 b and 21 c are formed by a lithography operation and an etching operation which penetrate the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b and which each have a via shape in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b.

As in the case illustrated in FIG. 2A, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is etched, for example, by an RIE method using a C₄F₆/Ar/O₂ mixed gas including C₄F₆ which is a fluorine-containing gas.

As in the case illustrated in FIG. 2A, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is etched, for example, by an RIE method. By this etching operation, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b located under the openings 21 g is etched. By this etching operation, the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b is exposed at the bottom of the openings 21 b and 21 c.

The second interlayer insulating layer 13 b is etched, for example, by an RIE method using a CH₂F₂/N₂/O₂ mixed gas including CH₂F₂ which is a fluorine-containing gas. For this etching, the chamber temperature is set to room temperature or the like, and the gas flow rates are set, for example, to 10 to 35 sccm for CH₂F₂, 50 to 100 sccm for N₂, and 15 to 40 sccm for O₂. By this etching operation, the via-shaped openings 21 b and 21 c are formed in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b and the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b.

The opening 21 b is formed so that a conductive material to be filled in the opening 21 b is electrically connected to the first wire 19 a. On the other hand, the opening 21 c is formed on the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 a under which the first wire 19 a is not provided. That is, in the opening 21 c, the third wire 19 c is formed which will be described later. The width of the via shape is not particularly limited. Since it is intended to increase the surface area of the opening, a width smaller than that of the opening 21 g is preferable.

FIG. 4A is a view illustrating the state in which a first barrier layer 16 d composed, for example, of Ta having a thickness of 3 nm to 10 nm is formed, for example, by a PVD method, such as a sputtering method, so as to cover the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c, and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b. Since the Cu wire is formed in the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c, as in the case of the first barrier layer 16 a, a material which reduces Cu diffusion and which has superior adhesion to Cu is used for the first barrier layer 16 d. Incidentally, the first barrier layer 16 d may only be formed when it is necessary.

FIG. 4B is a view illustrating the state in which while the first barrier layer 16 d covers inside walls of the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c, a CuMn alloy layer 17 g composed, for example, of an alloy of Cu and manganese (Mn) having a thickness of 5 nm to 30 nm is formed. Since the CuMn alloy layer 17 g also functions as a seed layer of electrolytic plating which will be described later, the thickness thereof is controlled to an appropriate value to form a buried wire in accordance with the wire dimension. In this embodiment, a CuMn alloy layer having a thickness of 5 nm to 30 nm is formed. The CuMn alloy layer contains 0.2 to 1.0 atomic percent of Mn atoms and preferably contains 0.5 atomic percent or less. In addition, as the CuMn alloy layer 17 g, a layer composed of a mixture including Cu and Mn may also be used as well as the alloy.

In addition, since the surface area of the CuMn alloy layer 17 g is increased by the presence of the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c, the CuMn alloy layer 17 g formed to cover the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c has a small thickness as compared to that of the CuMn alloy layer which is formed to cover the openings 21 a by a sputtering method.

In this operation, the second barrier layer 17 a is formed so as to cover the side walls of the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c. However, in a subsequent operation, since Mn in the second barrier layer 17 a is diffused by a heat treatment and is allowed to react with oxygen in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b, a CuMn alloy layer including Mn-containing oxides is formed; hence the CuMn alloy layer covering the inside walls of the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c may not have a uniform thickness.

In addition, since the opening 21 c is formed, the CuMn alloy layer 17 g may be formed to have a small thickness as compared to that obtained when the opening 21 c is not formed, that is, when the surface area of the opening is not increased. The total amount of the CuMn alloy layer sputtered on the inside walls of the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c is constant in one sputtering operation. Hence, when the surface area, that is, sputtered area, is large, the thickness of the CuMn alloy layer 17 g formed by sputtering may be decreased.

FIG. 5A is a view illustrating the state in which a conductive layer 18 d composed of Cu having a thickness of 0.5 μm to 2.0 μm is deposited by an electrolytic plating method so as to be buried in the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c. In this embodiment, the conductive layer 18 d composed of Cu is formed; however, the conductive layer 18 d may be an alloy layer including Cu and a metal other than Cu, and as the metal other than Cu, a material is used which does not increase the resistance of a wire even when it is contained in Cu.

Next, a heat treatment is performed at 100 to 250° C. for 1 to 60 minutes. By the heat treatment performed after the conductive layer 18 d is buried in the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c, before Cu is diffused to the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b, and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b exposed to the side walls of the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c, Mn is diffused to the second interlayer insulating layer 13 b, the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b, and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b. Subsequently, Mn is allowed to react with oxygen in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b, and a second barrier layer 17 h composed of Mn-containing oxides is formed.

In addition, by this heat treatment, Mn is diffused from the CuMn alloy layer 17 g and is allowed to react with oxygen in the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b exposed to the side walls of the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c. Subsequently, the second barrier layer 17 h composed of Mn-containing oxides is formed on the side walls of the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c each provided with the first barrier layer 16 d to have a thickness of 1 nm to 5 nm. In this embodiment, since the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is formed of SiOC, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is formed of SiO₂, and Mn also reacts with Si, the composition of the Mn-containing oxides forming the second barrier layer 17 h is represented by Mn_(x)Si_(y)O_(z) (x:y:z is 1:1:3 to 1:3:5).

In this case, since the CuMn alloy layer 17 g having a small thickness is formed as described above, the ratio of Mn of the CuMn alloy layer 17 g forming the second barrier layer 17 h on the side walls of the openings 21 g, 21 b, and 21 c is large than that of Mn dissolved in Cu. Hence, an increase in resistance of the Cu wire caused by dissolution of Mn in the conductive layer 18 d may be suppressed.

FIG. 5B is a view illustrating the case in which, for example, by a CMP method, the first barrier layer 16 d, the second barrier layer 17 h, and the conductive layer 18 d are partly removed approximately to the middle of the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b by polishing, so that the second wire 19 b composed of Cu is formed in the opening 21 b, and the third wire 19 c composed of Cu is formed in the opening 21 c. The operations described above with reference to FIGS. 2B to 5B are repeatedly performed, so that the semiconductor device 50 a including the multilayer interconnection structure 40 a is formed.

According to the semiconductor device 50 a of the first embodiment, the contact area between the insulating layers containing oxygen and the second barrier layer containing Mn may be increased. Hence, Mn may be sufficiently consumed by the formation of Mn oxides at a portion at which the contact area between the insulating layers and the second barrier layer is increased. As a result, an increase in resistance of the copper wire may be reduced.

In the second embodiment, FIGS. 6A and 6B are views each illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device 50 b having a multilayer interconnection structure 40 b. In the second embodiment, constituents similar to those described in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 6A and 6B each illustrate the structure of the semiconductor device 50 b of the second embodiment. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the semiconductor device 50 b. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-Y illustrated in FIG. 6A.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, in the semiconductor device 50 b of the second embodiment, reference numeral 15 b indicates a fourth interlayer insulating layer, reference numeral 19 b indicates a second wire (Cu wire), reference numeral 19 c indicates a third wire, and reference numeral 19 e indicates a fourth wire.

The fourth wire 19 e has a concavo-convex portion 22 in a plane direction of a Cu wire. The concavo-convex portion 22 is formed to increase the surface area of the fourth wire 19 e and that of the Cu wire.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the semiconductor device 50 b of the second embodiment has a transistor forming layer 60 and the multilayer interconnection structure 40 b. The multilayer interconnection structure 40 b has first wires 19 a, the second wires 19 b, the third wire 19 c, and the fourth wire 19 e. Constituents illustrated in FIG. 6B similar to those described with reference to FIG. 6A are designated by the same reference numerals.

The fourth wire 19 e is formed by burying a conductive layer 18 e in an opening 21 e. The opening 21 e is formed by opening a third interlayer insulating layer 14 b and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b. The opening 21 e is formed so that a conductive material to be filled therein is not electrically connected to the first wire 19 a. The conductive layer 18 e is preferably formed, for example, of copper (Cu).

The concavo-convex portion 22 is formed along the periphery of the opening 21 e. The concavo-convex portion 22 is formed to have an X-Y direction width smaller than the width of the opening 21 e in the X-Y direction. The concavo-convex portion 22 is formed to increase a contact area between insulating layers containing oxygen and a second barrier layer 17 e which will be described below. Hence, as in the first embodiment, Mn may be sufficiently consumed by the formation of Mn oxides at a portion at which the contact area of the second barrier layer 17 e with the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b and the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is increased. Accordingly, the resistance of the Cu wire may be maintained at a low level.

A first barrier layer 16 e and the second barrier layer 17 e are sequentially formed between the opening 21 e and the conductive layer 18 e. The first barrier layer 16 e is formed at the opening 21 e side. The second barrier layer 17 e is formed at the conductive layer 18 e side.

Since the Cu wire is formed in the opening 21 e, a material which reduces Cu diffusion and which has superior adhesion to Cu is used for the first barrier layer 16 e. The first barrier layer 16 e preferably has a thickness of 3 nm to 10 nm. Incidentally, the first barrier layer 16 e may only be formed when it is necessary.

The second barrier layer 17 e is formed between the first barrier layer 16 e and the conductive layer 18 e. Since the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is formed of SiOC, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is formed of SiO₂, and Mn also reacts with Si, the composition of Mn-containing oxides forming the second barrier layer 17 e is represented by Mn_(x)Si_(y)O_(z) (x:y:z is 1:1:3 to 1:3:5). In addition, the second barrier layer 17 e preferably has a thickness of 1 nm to 5 nm.

According to the structure of the semiconductor device 50 b of the second embodiment, besides the structure of the semiconductor device 50 a of the first embodiment, the fourth wire 19 e having a concavo-convex portion in a plane direction of the Cu wire is formed. Hence, even in the case in which a dummy plug may not be formed under the Cu wire, the contact area between the interlayer insulating layers and the second barrier layer containing Mn may be increased. Accordingly, Mn may be sufficiently consumed by the formation of Mn oxides at a portion at which the contact area of the second barrier layer with the insulating layers is increased. As a result, the resistance of the Cu wire may be maintained at a low level.

In the third embodiment, FIGS. 7A and 7B are views each illustrating the structure of a semiconductor device 50 c having a multilayer interconnection structure 40 c. In the third embodiment, constituents similar to those described in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 7A and 7B each illustrate the structure of the semiconductor device 50 c of the third embodiment. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the semiconductor device 50 c. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-Y illustrated in FIG. 7A.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, in the semiconductor device 50 c of the third embodiment, reference numeral 15 b indicates a fourth interlayer insulating layer, reference numeral 19 b indicates a second wire (Cu wire), reference numeral 19 c indicates a third wire, and reference numeral 19 f indicates a fifth wire.

Slit portions 23 are formed inside the fifth wire 19 f. The slit portions 23 are formed, for example, of an insulating material such as SiO₂.

However, when the slit portions 23 are formed, since the cross-sectional area of the wire is decreased, an increase in wiring resistance unfavorably occurs. Hence, the rate of decrease in cross-sectional area caused by the formation of the slit portions 23 may be set lower than the rate of increase in resistance caused by Mn intrusion. The slit portions 23 are formed to increase the surface area between the insulating layer containing oxygen and a second barrier layer, which will be described later, in the fifth wire 19 f. For example, the slit portions 23 are preferably formed so as to decrease a 1 μm-wide fifth wire 19 f by approximately 2.5% and so as to decrease a 3 μm-wide fifth wire 19 f by approximately 5%. In addition, the surfaces of the slit portions 23 may be formed inside the fifth wire 19 f. That is, the slit portions 23 may have a grooved shape formed inside the fifth wire 19 f.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the semiconductor device 50 c of the third embodiment has a transistor forming layer 60 and the multilayer interconnection structure 40 c. The multilayer interconnection structure 40 c has first wires 19 a, the second wires 19 b, the third wire 19 c, and the fifth wire 19 f. In this embodiment, constituents illustrated in FIG. 7B similar to those described with reference to FIG. 7A are designated by the same reference numerals.

The fifth wire 19 f is formed by burying a conductive layer 18 f in an opening 21 f. The opening 21 f is formed by opening a third interlayer insulating layer 14 b and a fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b. A conductive material to be filled in the opening 21 f is not electrically connected to the first wire 19 a. The conductive layer 18 f is preferably formed, for example, of copper (Cu).

In the fifth wire 19 f, the slit portions 23 are formed. The slit portions 23 are formed of an insulating material containing oxygen, such as SiO₂.

However, when the slit portions 23 are formed, since the cross-sectional area of the wire is decreased, an increase in wire resistance unfavorably occurs. Hence, the rate of decrease in cross-sectional area caused by the formation of the slit portions 23 may be set lower than the rate of increase in resistance caused by Mn intrusion. The slit portions 23 are formed to increase the surface area between the insulating material containing oxygen and a second barrier layer 17 f, which will be described below, in the fifth wire 19 f. For example, the slit portions 23 are preferably formed so as to a decrease a 1 μm-wide fifth wire 19 f by approximately 2.5% and so as to decrease a 3 μm-wide fifth wire 19 f by approximately 5%.

A first barrier layer 16 f and the second barrier layer 17 f are sequentially formed between the opening 21 f and the conductive layer 18 f. The first barrier layer 16 f is formed at the opening 21 f side. The second barrier layer 17 f is formed at the conductive layer 18 f side.

Since the Cu wire is formed in the opening 21 f, a material which reduces Cu diffusion and which has superior adhesion to Cu is used for the first barrier layer 16 f. The first barrier layer 16 f preferably has a thickness of 3 nm to 10 nm. Incidentally, the first barrier layer 16 f may only be formed when it is necessary.

The second barrier layer 17 f is formed between the first barrier layer 16 f and the conductive layer 18 f. Since the third interlayer insulating layer 14 b is formed of SiOC, the fourth interlayer insulating layer 15 b is formed of SiO₂, and Mn also reacts with Si, the composition of Mn-containing oxides forming the second barrier layer 17 f is represented by Mn_(x)Si_(y)O_(z) (x:y:z is in the range of 1:1:3 to 1:3:5). In addition, the second barrier layer 17 f preferably has a thickness of 1 nm to 5 nm.

According to the structure of the semiconductor device 50 c of the third embodiment, besides the structure of the semiconductor device 50 a of the first embodiment, the slit portions 23 are formed. Hence, even when a dummy plug may not be formed under the Cu wire, the contact area between the second barrier layer containing Mn and the insulating material containing oxygen may be increased. Accordingly, Mn may be sufficiently consumed by the formation of Mn oxides at a portion at which the contact area of the second barrier layer with the insulating material is increased. As a result, the resistance of the Cu wire may be maintained at a low level.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the embodiment and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a illustrating of the superiority and inferiority of the embodiment. Although the embodiment(s) of the present invention has (have) been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor device comprising: a first insulating layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, the first insulating layer including oxygen; a first wire formed in the first insulating layer; an interlayer insulating layer formed on the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer formed over the interlayer insulating layer; a second wire formed in the second insulating layer over the first wire, the second wire including a first upper plug and a first lower plug whose width is smaller than a width of the first upper plug, the first upper plug and the first lower plug formed in the second insulating layer, the first lower plug being in contact with the first wire through an upper surface in the interlayer insulating layer, and the second wire containing manganese, oxygen, and copper; and a third wire formed in the second insulating layer, the third wire including a second upper plug and a second lower plug whose width is smaller than a width of the second upper plug, the second upper plug and the second lower plug formed in the second insulating layer, extending downwardly and spaced apart from the first wire, and a bottom of the second lower plug is in contact with the interlayer insulating layer.
 2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the second lower plug has at least one of a cylindrical shape and a grooved shape.
 3. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the third wire includes a third upper plug and a third lower plug whose width is smaller than a width of the third upper plug. 